Room for All May 19 in Noblesville
You are welcome to attend a rally at Noblesville First United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 19, at 5 p.m. sponsored by the “Room for All” Coalition.  This group has formed as a result of the most recent General Conference.  Speakers are Rev. Mike Slaughter (Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church, West Ohio Conference) and Rev. Adam Hamilton (pre-recorded) of Church of the Resurrection, the largest United Methodist Church in the nation.
This event will provide an opportunity to learn and dialogue about the future of the United Methodist Church.

Update from Governing Board 
As you may be aware, the United Methodist General Conference recently convened to vote on sexuality and sexual practices, as well as a plan for "A Way Forward." The decision was unexpected and highly divisive. There is still much to be finalized, but it seems that a denominational divide is imminent. The exact shape of any planned division of the Methodist church is unknown, and the future is largely uncertain.

In light of this uncertainty, Trinity's Governing Board has unanimously voted to suspend conference apportionment payments. These funds cover administrative costs of the general conference. Don't worry - suspending apportionments does not mean that these funds will never be available for the general conference. 

Our apportionments will be reserved in our savings account monthly. In the event an amicable solution is reached, apportionments can be paid out at that time. If the church divides, setting aside these funds now will provide Trinity United Methodist Church with the financial stability we need to continue our mission, "Growing in Love and Service Through Relationships with God and Community," in a manner that is most genuine and authentic to our congregation.

Mark your calendars for “History.” Following worship on Sunday, June 2 in the Friendship Room and on the evening of  Wednesday, June 19, at 6 p.m. in the Great Room the congregation will have two opportunities to craft our “congregational narrative” as Morris DuBose, our narrative consultant, facilitates two “story suppers.”  The entire
congregation is encouraged to participate; but you only need to attend one of the two story events. 

Morris and table facilitators will lead us in celebrating and “cataloguing” memories of such things as: past pastors, our
music program over the years, our missions and community outreach, how our surrounding neighborhood has evolved, memorable holiday traditions, etc.  Light food and childcare will be provided at both events. This will be an enjoyable, interactive experience and will allow us to consciously shape our congregation’s narrative in preparation of celebrating our 200th anniversary in 2027.

“Growing in love and service through relationships with God and community” is Trinity’s Vision statement.  Pastor Tracey used Trinity’s Vision Statement as the foundation for her Lilly clergy renewal grant.  Pastor Tracey’s various sabbatical activities are designed to deepen relationships with:

• God – through intensive times of silent retreat
• Religious communities – Retreats at Benedict Inn (south of Indianapolis), Great Vow Zen Buddhist Monastery in Oregon, Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky, and a Bruderhof Community in East Sussex, UK.
• Friends and family – through trips to visit family in Pennsylvania, time with friends in Indy and Cincinnati, a trip to Portland with Britt, and a Route 66 vacation with my sister, Vicki.

While Pastor Tracey is living out our vision, Trinity will be diving deep into our vision as well.  Among other activities, May 17-18, Rev. Dr. John Whitaker, from Shiloh United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio will facilitate a retreat for our congregation.  This retreat is open to everyone who is a part of Trinity.  It is not limited to leadership.  It is not limited to “official” members.  If you engage with Trinity, you are welcomed and encouraged to participate!

The title of the retreat is The Choice for Community.  The retreat will feature learning and discussion around such things as:

• Definitions of community, obstacles to community, community strengths and weaknesses, foundations of community and inclusive community
• How our cultural values (such as individualism, equality, independence and freedom) impact our understanding and experience of community
• How our personal understanding of Jesus and our interpretation of scripture impact our understanding of Christian community
• Spiritual practices that sustain and strengthen community, such as gratitude, commitment, truthfulness, and hospitality 

The retreat will begin at 5:30 on Friday evening, May 17, in the Great Room with dinner prepared by Julieann Davis, and will conclude at 8:30.  It will resume Saturday morning at 9 a.m. (pastries, fruit and coffee will be available) and conclude at noon.

Rev. Whitaker is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and a certified spiritual director.  He completed his Doctorate in Ministry at United Theological Seminary. Understanding and constructing healthy Christian community within American culture was the topic of Rev. Whitaker’s doctoral dissertation.  Rev. Whitaker and Pastor Tracey served on staff together for four years at Church of the Cross United Methodist in Dayton, Ohio.  You will find that Rev. Whitaker’s teaching is well-aligned with our congregational vision and values. Rev. Whitaker will also bring the morning message on Sunday morning, May 19.